FRIENDS OF NYLSVLEY & NYL FLOODPLAIN

Vision: To conserve the unique biodiversity of Nylsvley Nature Reserve and the Nyl floodplain.

Mission: To encourage the co-operation of all stakeholders to promote the conservation and sustainability of the entire floodplain and its catchment.

History: Friends of Nylsvley have run work parties at Nylsvley since March 1991 and courses since April 1996. Over the years we have financed and helped install the Kingfisher and Dabchick Hides, the Sasol Dragonfly Walkway, the Bittern Bridge and replaced the Jacana Walkway. We’ve rehabilitated the notorious long drop toilets in the campsite, installed an Enviro Loo at Vogelfontein and replaced the ladder to the lookout tower. The project, celebrating our 20th Anniversary during 2011, was to install a solar pump at one of the distant watering points. When the reserve was without sufficient budget, we financed repairs to the cold rooms and tractors, provided diesel, tools, uniforms and boots for the staff. Our skills saw to the rehabilitation of the watering points within the reserve which we are still monitoring. The present challenges are coal prospecting and proposed platinum mining on the floodplain and catchment and the sewage and other effluents running into the Nyl River at Modimolle and Mookgophong.

We developed the gate brochure in English and Afrikaans, and have been responsible for the signage within the reserve.

Upcoming projects include an Environmental Exhibition at the reception office and signage in the eastern section of the reserve.In September 2013 a devastating fire raged through Nylsvley and neighbouring farms destroying 4 of the 5 hides, the Sasol Dragonfly walkway, enviro loo etc. Friends were involved with the rehabilitation process and immediately set up a ‘fodder fund’ for supplementary feeding of the Roan and other large mammals and essential repairs.

By joining the Friends of Nylsvley you will help us to continue to work towards securing our water supplies and lobby that all developments around Nylsvley are done in accordance to formal regulations. Members of the Friends receive newsflashes and newsletters via e-mail and the knowledge that you are helping us to look after the unique biodiversity of the Nyl floodplain.

Friends of Nylsvley are affiliated to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa and BirdLife South Africa. Under the supervision of the reserve management the Friends run work parties and nature based courses at Nylsvley (see upcoming dates under Events) The annual Woodland Bird Census is run by the Friends and generously sponsored by Wits Bird Club. Friends of Nylsvley rely on the generosity of their members and the general public for financial support, all contributions going directly towards the preservation of this unique floodplain.

During 2016 Friends of Nylsvley celebrated 25 years of ‘doing good things’ for Nylsvley.

To join up follow this link.

Friends of Nylsvley Committee members:

Chairman: Trevor Cowie: 083 997 9424 TCowie@gravitonwm.com
President: Dr. Warwick Tarboton: 083 263 9153 : wtarbotn@iafrica.com
Vice Chairman: Dr Syd Catton 071 473 5410; syd@waterbergtourism.com
Treasurer: Lisa Walls: 082 552 4399;  wallselisal@gmail.com
Minutes Secretary: Nigel Coni : 082 890 4268  nigel.coni@live.co.za
Members: John Sparrow, Ralph Driver, Ron Mengell, Beate Holscher, Kathy Cowie, Michéle Kilbourne Louw, Anthea Sparrow, Carolize Jansen, Michael Pearse, Ron Mengell, Erika van Schalkwyk
Social Media: Dr Nicky Wood 071 674 4723 nfwood@icon.co.za

Offers to join the committee will be most welcome.